Tianliao Moon World 田寮月世界, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Tianliao Moon World is a geological marvel located in the Tianliao District of Kaohsiung.

It is known for its barren landscape reminiscent of the moon's surface and a unique location which I did not see on many travel sites during my research thus I decided to include it in my adventure, to experience it and share here.

Tianliao Moon World is characterised by its badlands, a type of dry terrain where mudstone is continuously eroded by wind and water and result in steep slopes, minimal vegetation and a rugged appearance.

The grayish-white rock which contributes to the bandlands' moon-like appearance, probably gave the place its name.

When you arrive at Tianliao Moon World, I would suggest to go to the visitor centre to have an understanding of the amazing creation before your hike. The visitor centre opens from 1000 to 1700 hours.

There is a hiking trail at the back of the visitor centre. I would recommend to do a clockwise hike of the trail as you will get to see the badlands in a more logical flow by passing by the Jade Pond (where it was supposed to collect the eroded soil), admire the badlands from a distance before getting close and intimate with them, take the stairway to the sky, admire the pool on the moon and finally landing on the deck.

I have not been to the moon but looking at the moon's images, visiting the place seemed like what the name suggested. I imagined myself being teleported to the moon for the moment and back.

iseasywith.me Travel Tip

When I was there, it was quite sunny and warm as there was minimal shade thus do bring along a bottle of water and stay hydrated when you visit the place.

Getting there:

Not sure why those travel websites which feature the place suggest departure from Kaohsiung. From Google Maps, it seems like Tainan is nearer, thus Tianliao Moon World was in the Tainan leg of my adventure.

I took bus service 8042 from HSR Tainan Station and the journey was about an hour.

If you wish to follow my moonwalk itinerary starting from the visitor centre, alight at Ri Yue Temple 日月禪寺 bus stop, cross the road and you will see the visitor centre.

When you arrive, go to the bus stop in front of the visitor centre and take note of the bus service schedule back to HSR Tainan, to facilitate your moon walk as you do not wish to miss the last bus back and be stuck on the moon. I would suggest to use the Bus+ app to track the bus arrival nearing the arrival time.

Would you plan to go to the moon like me? 👩‍🚀

Else you can read through the rest of my Taiwan adventure below for more inspirations.

Taipei 臺北
Taichung 臺中
Chiayi 嘉義
Tainan 臺南
Kaohsiung 高雄
Hualien 花蓮